Ask the Swan Specialist

Yes, a swan can hurt a small dog or other animal in the water, because they obviously cannot float or swim as well as the swan. However, swans are no more aggressive than any other waterfowl such as ducks or geese. In fact, they are not aggressive, just defensive in protecting themselves and their families. So, the swans may not necessarily even be angry, just very protective. The dog is invading their territory so the swans would legally have the right to protect themselves.

The dog needs to stop chasing the swans for several reasons. First, it is not fair to dog or the swan if either one should get hurt. Legally, if either gets hurt, you can be held legally responsible for violation of any leash laws in your area. But, more importantly, this can be seen as cruelty to animals for either the dog or the swan and you can be held criminally liable as it is now a third degree felony in all states to be found guilty of violating this law. This could mean at least a $5,000 fine and/or up to 5 years in jail. The Regal Swan